Resolving Chronic Seamer Issues – Case Study

OVERVIEW

Implementing the LineSpex system allowed the production and maintenance team to quickly learn the true root cause of a major failure. Using the information accrued by LineSpex’s highspeed camera and integrated video playback view, corrective action was quickly taken to prevent the issue and increase OEE and throughput, producing roughly 6 million more products annually.

CHALLENGE

Seamer (high speed can lid sealing machine, operates about 900 cans/minute) was occasionally having major “can jams” and would have approximately 15 cans/second of food smashing up at the seamer intake point and throwing cans (and food) all over the surrounding area.

DISCOVERY

“Our technicians found that the cans that were currently in use had a different lid shape than the old style cans. This minor change was causing high speed friction of the can upper rims with the can conveying rails. Since the new materials were harder and protruded out more, they caused an increased wear that we hadn’t experienced with the old can models.”

SOLUTION

Using the LineSpex System to conduct a slow motion visual inspection of that area and found that the guide rails had been worn down towards the top of the cans, allowing the cans to wobble while being conveyed and eventually fall forward (90 degree turn from vertical to horizontal). The cans were then coming into the seamer laying down, vice standing up, causing the jam.

TOTAL PROJECT COST

$35,000

INCREASED PRODUCTS ANUALLY BY

+6,400,000 cans

PROJECT PAYBACK

4 Weeks

QUOTES FROM THE MANUFACTURER

“The actual monetary value that we were able to enhance for the business is remarkable, with the return on investment (ROI) for this asset exceeding several thousand percent in its inaugural year. This highlights the significant financial benefits gained from utilizing this resource.”

“This collision event was causing our cannery production lines to lose about 6,400,000 cans annually (approx 2.4 tonnes finished food), but LineSpex system allowed technicians to assess footage and identify this issue to prevent the repeated outcome and loss.”

“The facility was able to pinpoint a downtime issue and root cause using the LineSpex system by utilizing the playback feature to analyze and investigate their production line.”

Download Canned Food Case Study PDF

Reach out to learn how LineSpex can bring value to your facility!